Food Science PhD Candidate Wins Third Place at Ä¢¹½tv Venture Challenge for Salsa with Added Nutritional Value
May 12, 2025
Roberto Antonio Cedillos Hernandez, a Ph.D. candidate in Nutrition and Food Science with a concentration in Food Science and Technology, earned third place in the 2025 J Terrell Brown Venture Challenge for his start-up We the Salsa. His award-winning product is a creamy salsa with bold, authentic Latin flavors and added nutritional value, designed for health-conscious consumers seeking functional foods. Roberto was awarded $5,000 in funding to support his business, which is being incubated at Ä¢¹½tv and reflects his passion for food innovation and science-driven product development. The Venture Challenge, hosted annually by the Stephenson Entrepreneurship Institute at Ä¢¹½tv, empowers student entrepreneurs from across the university system through capital, mentorship, and technical support. Students submit detailed business plans and pitch their ventures live to a panel of judges for a share of the $35,000 prize pool. This year’s competition drew a wide range of innovations, with Roberto proudly representing the School of Nutrition and Food Sciences as a finalist. The recognition of We the Salsa showcases how food science can intersect with entrepreneurship to address consumer demand for flavorful, nutritious, and innovative products. Roberto’s success is a testament to the creativity and applied research emerging from Ä¢¹½tv’s academic community. /business/news/2025/4/commercial-real-estate-solution-wins-2025-j-terrell-brown-venture-challenge-2025.php